What is Level 1-5 commissioning?

Level 1-5 commissioning (Cx) is the industry-standard process for verifying that critical facility systems (power, cooling, fire, controls) work as designed before the owner takes operational handoff. Each level adds layered verification, from factory testing of individual components (Level 1) through functional performance testing (Level 4) and integrated systems testing (Level 5). The project's commissioning plan governs the detailed sequence.

Level 1 is the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT). Equipment is tested at the manufacturer before shipment to confirm it meets spec. Typical components: UPS systems, switchgear, generators, chillers, CRAH/CRAC units. Pass/fail criteria are documented per manufacturer test scripts, with witnessing by the owner's commissioning agent (CxA) when scope warrants.

Level 2 is the Site Acceptance Test (SAT) and pre-functional checks. Equipment is verified on-site after delivery and installation but before energization: verifying it survived shipping, was installed correctly, and is ready for start-up. Includes visual inspection, settings verification, and continuity / megger / insulation tests.

Level 3 is Functional / Start-up Testing. Each system is energized and tested standalone: does the UPS hold load, does the generator transfer cleanly, does the cooling system reach setpoint under load. The system is verified to operate within its design parameters in isolation.

Level 4 is Functional Performance Testing. Systems are tested against their designed performance criteria following successful start-up.

Level 5 is Integrated Systems Testing. All systems are tested together, including failure-mode and load-bank testing. The data hall is run through realistic failure scenarios (utility loss, UPS battery exhaustion, cooling failure) to verify that backup systems engage correctly and the hall maintains operational continuity. The project's commissioning plan governs the detailed sequence.

HexTel provides structured cabling, rack and stack, and L1-L2 commissioning support in coordination with the owner's commissioning team. We are not the third-party CxA on a project (that role belongs to the owner-engaged commissioning firm).